Markets flat in afternoon deals

Tata Motors, ONGC, Maruti among gainers

Markets traded on an absolutely flat note with the Sensex unchanged at 19,418. Nifty was flat at 5,902.

Asian stocks rose as US lawmakers prepared to resume budget talks to meet a year-end deadline.

The market may remain volatile today, as traders roll over positions in the futures & options (F&O) segment from the near month December 2012 series to January 2013 series.

Back home, the rupee today strengthened by 11 paise to 54.73 against the US dollar in early trade at the Interbank Foreign Exchange, aided by selling of the American currency by exporters and banks and strong capital inflows.

Auto stocks rose as auto companies will start unveiling sales data for December 2012 from 1 January 2013. BSE auto index is up 0.5% at 11,402.

On the other hand, BSE consumer durables, FMCG and IT indices are trading marginally lower.

BHEL is the top loser - down 1.2% at Rs 227. Coal India, Mahindra & Mahindra, ICICI Bank and Hindustan Unilever are down half a per cent each.

On the gaining side, Tata Motors has moved up 2% at Rs 312. Dr Reddy's. ONGC, Maruti Suzuki and Tata Steel have added 1-1% each.

Aurobindo Pharma gained after the company said it has received final approvals from USFDA to manufacture and market Nafcillin Injections in the United States.

BSE market breadth is neutral. Out of 2,706 stocks traded, 1,197 shares have advanced while 1,351 shares have declined.